Guzy gruczołów ślinowych
Diagnostyka i diagnoza
Guzy gruczołów ślinowych to heterogenna grupa nowotworów o zróżnicowanej histologii i nieprzewidywalnym przebiegu biologicznym, co wymaga kompleksowej diagnostyki obejmującej badanie kliniczne, obrazowe oraz histopatologiczne. Diagnostyka rozpoczyna się od badania fizykalnego i wywiadu, a następnie wykorzystuje techniki obrazowe takie jak USG, CT, MRI (w tym zaawansowane metody jak DWI) oraz PET-CT, które pozwalają ocenić lokalizację, rozległość i potencjalne przerzuty. Biopsja aspiracyjna cienkoigłowa (FNAB) jest podstawową metodą potwierdzającą diagnozę, klasyfikowaną według Systemu Mediolańskiego (MSRSGC) z sześcioma kategoriami diagnostycznymi. Jednak FNAB ma ograniczenia, zwłaszcza w rozróżnianiu typów złośliwych i wykazuje do 33% fałszywie ujemnych wyników w raku gruczołowo-torbielowatym. Biopsja nacinająca oraz badania immunohistochemiczne i molekularne stanowią uzupełnienie diagnostyki, szczególnie w trudnych przypadkach.
Diagnostyka guzów gruczołów ślinowych
Guzy gruczołów ślinowych stanowią rzadką, ale zróżnicowaną grupę nowotworów o heterogennej histologii i nieprzewidywalnym przebiegu biologicznym. Ze względu na ich różnorodność i nakładające się cechy, wymagają kompleksowych metod oceny diagnostycznej. Prawidłowa diagnoza jest kluczowym pierwszym krokiem w opracowaniu optymalnego planu leczenia.12
Badanie fizyczne
Diagnostyka guzów gruczołów ślinowych zazwyczaj rozpoczyna się od wizyty u lekarza podstawowej opieki zdrowotnej, który może skierować pacjenta do specjalisty. Podczas badania fizykalnego lekarz:12
- Sprawdza obecność guzków w żuchwie, policzku, szyi i jamie ustnej
- Poszukuje zmian w obrębie twarzy, takich jak opadanie mięśni, asymetria lub drganie
- Testuje obszary drętwienia lub braku czucia na twarzy
- Prosi o otwarcie ust i poruszenie językiem
- Używa małego lusterka i światła do zbadania wnętrza jamy ustnej
Dokładny wywiad chorobowy jest również istotnym elementem diagnozy, obejmującym analizę objawów, czynników ryzyka oraz historii chorób rodzinnych.12
Badania obrazowe
Badania obrazowe odgrywają kluczową rolę w diagnostyce guzów gruczołów ślinowych. Pozwalają określić lokalizację, wielkość i zakres guza oraz sprawdzić, czy nie doszło do rozprzestrzenienia się nowotworu.12 Najczęściej stosowane techniki obrazowe to:
Ultrasonografia
Badanie USG jest często pierwszym badaniem obrazowym stosowanym w diagnostyce guzów gruczołów ślinowych. Jest niedrogie i może ocenić granice guza oraz jego zawartość. Pozwala na rozróżnienie między guzem wewnątrz- i zewnątrzgruczołowym oraz może dostarczyć informacji o ukrwieniu guza.12 Ultrasonografia jest jednak mniej skuteczna w obrazowaniu zmian w głębokim płacie ślinianki przyusznej.1
Tomografia komputerowa (CT)
Badanie CT wykorzystuje kombinację promieni rentgenowskich do utworzenia szczegółowych obrazów wnętrza ciała. Jest skuteczne w określaniu wielkości, kształtu i lokalizacji guza oraz w ocenie, czy guz rozrósł się do tkanek otaczających gruczoł ślinowy, nerwów twarzy lub pobliskich węzłów chłonnych.12 CT jest również przydatne w wykrywaniu kamieni ślinianek, które są dobrze widoczne jako jasne (białe) obiekty na skanach CT.1
Rezonans magnetyczny (MRI)
MRI używa silnych pól magnetycznych i fal radiowych do tworzenia szczegółowych obrazów. Jest szczególnie przydatny w ocenie guzów ślinianki przyusznej oraz w określeniu, czy guz przeniknął do okolicznych tkanek miękkich, nerwów lub węzłów chłonnych.1 MRI jest lepszy niż CT w rozróżnianiu między guzami niezłośliwymi a złośliwymi gruczołów ślinowych.2 Nowsze techniki MRI, takie jak obrazowanie dyfuzyjne (DWI), znakowanie spinowe tętnic i obrazowanie ważone transferem protonów amidu, mogą dodatkowo zwiększyć dokładność diagnostyczną.1
Pozytonowa tomografia emisyjna (PET)
Badanie PET wykorzystuje radioaktywną formę glukozy, która może wykazać, czy rak gruczołu ślinowego rozprzestrzenił się do innych części ciała. Jest to szczególnie istotne w ocenie zaawansowanych stadiów choroby.1 Badanie PET-CT może dostarczyć istotnych informacji na temat stopnia zaawansowania, stopnia histologicznego i odpowiedzi po leczeniu.1
Biopsja
Biopsja jest procedurą polegającą na pobraniu próbki tkanki z guza w celu zbadania jej pod mikroskopem. Jest to jedyny pewny sposób na potwierdzenie diagnozy raka gruczołu ślinowego.1 Istnieje kilka rodzajów biopsji stosowanych w diagnostyce guzów gruczołów ślinowych:
Biopsja aspiracyjna cienkoigłowa (FNAB)
Biopsja aspiracyjna cienkoigłowa jest najczęściej stosowaną metodą biopsji w diagnostyce guzów gruczołów ślinowych. Polega na wprowadzeniu cienkiej igły do guza i aspiracji komórek, które następnie są badane pod mikroskopem.12 W 2018 roku opublikowano System Mediolański do Raportowania Cytologii Gruczołów Ślinowych (MSRSGC), który wprowadził sześć kategorii diagnostycznych dla zmian gruczołów ślinowych:1
- Niediagnostyczne
- Nienowotworowe
- Atypia o nieokreślonym znaczeniu (AUS)
- Nowotwór
- Podejrzenie złośliwości
- Złośliwe
Celem MSRSGC jest dostarczenie łatwego w użyciu przewodnika dla cytopatologów.1 FNAB ma różną skuteczność diagnostyczną – jej czułość i swoistość są wysokie dla zmian łagodnych, ale niższe w przypadku guzów złośliwych.1 W większości badań dokładność diagnozy złośliwości przekracza 90%, chociaż określenie dokładnego typu złośliwości może być trudne.1
Niektórzy specjaliści zalecają wykonywanie FNAB pod kontrolą USG, co może zwiększyć dokładność badania.1 W ośrodkach specjalistycznych FNAB może być również uzupełniona o badania immunohistochemiczne i molekularne.1
Biopsja nacinająca
Biopsja nacinająca może być stosowana do usunięcia mas gruczołów ślinowych, które mogą rozwijać się w małych gruczołach warg i w podniebieniu miękkim.1 W przypadku niektórych guzów, zwłaszcza tych zlokalizowanych w mniejszych gruczołach ślinowych, biopsja nacinająca może być preferowaną metodą pobrania próbki tkanki.1
Warto podkreślić, że diagnoza guzów gruczołów ślinowych na podstawie badania histopatologicznego może być bardzo trudna i czasami ostateczna diagnoza nie może być postawiona, dopóki cały guz nie zostanie usunięty.2
Badania molekularne i genetyczne
Badania molekularne i genetyczne stają się coraz ważniejszym elementem diagnostyki guzów gruczołów ślinowych. Genomowe badania (nazywane również sekwencjonowaniem guza lub profilowaniem molekularnym) mogą wskazać, czy jakiekolwiek mutacje w komórkach mogą być powiązane z rodzajem raka.1
Informacje genetyczne o guzie mogą również pomóc przewidzieć prawdopodobieństwo nawrotu raka po leczeniu. Niektóre geny są bardzo specyficzne dla określonych typów raka gruczołów ślinowych i mogą pomóc patologowi w postawieniu bardzo precyzyjnej diagnozy.2
Obecne badania koncentrują się na poszukiwaniu markerów guzów gruczołów ślinowych, które mogą pomóc w podejmowaniu decyzji dotyczących leczenia.3 Identyfikacja powtarzających się zmian genetycznych – zarówno mutacji, jak i rearanżacji strukturalnych – służy wielu celom klinicznym: ułatwia diagnozę w złożonych przypadkach, informuje o decyzjach dotyczących leczenia chirurgicznego i terapii celowanej, ocenia odpowiedź na leczenie, określa kwalifikowalność do badań klinicznych i dostarcza informacji prognostycznych.1
Specyficzne zmiany genetyczne
Niektóre fuzje genów są wysoce specyficzne dla typów nowotworów gruczołów ślinowych i mogą być wykorzystane do ułatwienia diagnozy tych jednostek:1
- Zmiany w genie NR4A3 są wysoce specyficzne dla raka z komórek zrazikowych
- Fuzje genów MYB i MYBL1 są wysoce specyficzne dla raka gruczołowo-torbielowatego
- Mutacje CTNNB1 są powszechne w gruczolaku z komórek podstawnych, podczas gdy mutacje CYLD1 są bardziej rozpowszechnione w rakach z komórek podstawnych
- Fuzja genów EWSR1::ATF1 jest specyficzna dla raka jasnokomórkowego w gruczole ślinowym
- Fuzje RET, szczególnie NCOA4::RET, charakteryzują raka wewnątrzprzewodowego
- Fuzje CRTC1/3::MAML2 uważane są za diagnostyczne dla raka śluzowo-naskórkowego
- Fuzje genów PLAG1 i HMGA2 są wysoce specyficzne dla gruczolaka wielopostaciowego i raka wywodzącego się z gruczolaka wielopostaciowego
- Fuzje genu ETV6 pomagają w diagnozie raka wydzielniczego
- Mutacje PRKD1 p.E710D i fuzje genów PRKD1/2/3 mogą pomóc w różnicowaniu między gruczolakorakiem polimorficznym a innymi guzami gruczołów ślinowych
- Fuzje genów NTRK są obecne w przeważającej większości raków wydzielniczych
Określanie stadium zaawansowania
Po zdiagnozowaniu raka gruczołu ślinowego, lekarze określają stadium zaawansowania nowotworu, co pomaga w planowaniu leczenia i prognozowaniu wyników.1 Stadia zaawansowania raka gruczołów ślinowych wahają się od 0 do 4:1
- Stadium 0: Rak jest mały i znajduje się tylko w gruczole
- Stadium I: Guz znajduje się tylko w gruczole ślinowym i ma 2 centymetry lub mniej1
- Stadium II: Guz znajduje się tylko w gruczole ślinowym i ma ponad 2 centymetry, ale nie więcej niż 4 centymetry2
- Stadium III: Guz rozrósł się głębiej w gruczole i okolicznych tkankach
- Stadium IV: Rak rozrósł się poza gruczoł lub rozprzestrzenił się do węzłów chłonnych szyi lub do odległych części ciała
Najczęściej stosowanym systemem określania stadium zaawansowania raka gruczołów ślinowych jest system TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis), który ocenia wielkość guza (T), zajęcie węzłów chłonnych (N) i obecność przerzutów odległych (M).12
Warto zauważyć, że stadium kliniczne, szczególnie wielkość guza, może być kluczowym czynnikiem determinującym wynik raka gruczołu ślinowego i może być ważniejsze niż stopień histologiczny.12
Stopień histologiczny
Stopień histologiczny guza informuje o tym, jak szybko komórki nowotworowe rosną, na podstawie ich wyglądu pod mikroskopem. Ta informacja pomaga lekarzowi w podejmowaniu najlepszych decyzji dotyczących leczenia.1
Raki gruczołów ślinowych są klasyfikowane jako niskiego stopnia złośliwości (low-grade) lub wysokiego stopnia złośliwości (high-grade). Nowotwory niskiego stopnia złośliwości rosną wolniej niż nowotwory wysokiego stopnia złośliwości. Nowotwór o wyższym stopniu złośliwości może wymagać natychmiastowego lub bardziej agresywnego leczenia.2
Wyzwania diagnostyczne w guzach gruczołów ślinowych
Diagnostyka guzów gruczołów ślinowych napotyka na szereg wyzwań, które mogą utrudniać postawienie prawidłowej diagnozy i planowanie leczenia.12
Ograniczenia biopsji cienkoigłowej
Chociaż biopsja aspiracyjna cienkoigłowa (FNAB) jest powszechnie stosowana jako pierwsza linia diagnostyki zmian gruczołów ślinowych, ma ona pewne ograniczenia:1
- Wysokie ryzyko wyników fałszywie ujemnych
- Niska dokładność w rozróżnianiu między różnymi typami złośliwych guzów gruczołów ślinowych
- Potencjalne powikłania, takie jak krwawienie, infekcja czy rozsiew komórek nowotworowych wzdłuż toru igły
W przypadku raka gruczołowo-torbielowatego (ACC), mimo że ma on dobrze zdefiniowane cytologiczne kryteria diagnostyczne, literatura raportuje wyniki fałszywie ujemne FNAB na poziomie do 33% i swoistość około 50% dla tego guza.1
Ograniczenia badań obrazowych
Badania obrazowe, choć niezwykle przydatne, również mają swoje ograniczenia w diagnostyce guzów gruczołów ślinowych:1
- Samo badanie kliniczne i konwencjonalne techniki obrazowania zwykle nie pozwalają wiarygodnie odróżnić łagodnych od złośliwych chorób ani podklasyfikować procesu patologicznego
- CT i MRI generalnie nie mogą być wiarygodnie wykorzystywane do różnicowania między chorobą łagodną a złośliwą1
- Ultrasonografia ma ograniczoną wartość w obrazowaniu głęboko położonych zmian, szczególnie w głębokim płacie ślinianki przyusznej1
Różnorodność histologiczna
Guzy gruczołów ślinowych reprezentują najbardziej heterogenną grupę guzów spośród wszystkich tkanek w organizmie.1 Ta różnorodność histologiczna sprawia, że diagnoza może być trudna nawet dla doświadczonych patologów.1
Istnieje niewiele absolutów w diagnostyce guzów gruczołów ślinowych, biorąc pod uwagę znaczne spektrum i nakładanie się zróżnicowanych typów komórek, które uczestniczą w licznych łagodnych i złośliwych guzach.1
Nowoczesne podejścia diagnostyczne
W odpowiedzi na wyzwania związane z diagnostyką guzów gruczołów ślinowych, rozwijane są nowsze, bardziej zaawansowane techniki diagnostyczne.11
Sztuczna inteligencja w diagnostyce
Sztuczna inteligencja (AI) jest coraz częściej wykorzystywana w diagnostyce guzów gruczołów ślinowych:1
- Modele biomarkerów śliny wspomagane przez AI do diagnozy raka jamy ustnej są obecnie badane
- AI może zmniejszyć błąd ludzki, zaoszczędzić czas, poprawić obiektywność, zidentyfikować ukryte dane i usprawnić przepływ pracy w laboratorium
- AI jest uważana za skutecznego asystenta patologa w różnych zadaniach patologii cyfrowej
W jednym z badań wykorzystano przetrenowane sieci neuronowe do obiektywnej diagnostyki guzów gruczołów ślinowych z obrazów ultrasonograficznych, osiągając dokładność diagnostyczną na poziomie 89,0%, czułość 81,8% i swoistość 91,6%.12
Radiomika
Radiomika, czyli wydobywanie dużej liczby cech ilościowych z obrazów medycznych, może również odegrać rolę w diagnostyce guzów gruczołów ślinowych.1 Parametry radiomiczne ekstrahowane z technik obrazowania lub ze slajdów histopatologicznych są analizowane jako możliwe cele w ustanawianiu diagnozy i mogą dostarczyć cennych informacji na temat biologii guza, które nie są widoczne dla ludzkiego oka.1
Podejście multidyscyplinarne
Aby zwiększyć dokładność diagnostyczną w łagodnych zmianach gruczołów ślinowych, niezbędna jest potrójna ocena składająca się z cech cytologicznych, informacji klinicznych i wyników radiologicznych.2
Głównym punktem jest to, że chociaż FNAB jest podstawą diagnozy guzów gruczołów ślinowych, nie zawsze można na niej polegać w izolacji i powinna być stosowana w połączeniu z innymi badaniami, takimi jak biopsja nacinająca, badania immunohistochemiczne i nowsze technologie MRI.1
Zespół wielodyscyplinarny (MDT) specjalistów spotyka się, aby omówić najlepsze możliwe leczenie dla pacjenta. Podejście to zapewnia kompleksową ocenę diagnostyczną i plan leczenia dostosowany do indywidualnych potrzeb pacjenta.1
Znaczenie precyzyjnej diagnostyki
Dokładna diagnoza jest kluczowa dla skutecznego leczenia guzów gruczołów ślinowych. Bardziej precyzyjna diagnoza może poprawić skuteczność leczenia lub uchronić pacjenta przed leczeniem, które nie zadziała przeciwko jego chorobie.2
Zrozumienie stadium raka jest ważne, ponieważ pomaga lekarzom wyjaśnić zakres raka pacjentowi. Pomaga to również w opracowaniu najlepszego planu leczenia, w tym chirurgii, radioterapii lub chemioterapii.1
Przy rzadkich nowotworach, takich jak te, które dotykają gruczołów ślinowych, może być trudno znaleźć doświadczony zespół lekarzy, którzy są na bieżąco z najnowszymi metodami leczenia. Dlatego szczególnie ważne jest, aby diagnoza została postawiona przez specjalistów z doświadczeniem w leczeniu tego typu nowotworów.1
Diagnostyka guzów gruczołów ślinowych jest nadal w dużej mierze oparta na podejściu morfologicznym z ograniczonym zastosowaniem immunohistochemii w wybranych różnicach diagnostycznych, uzupełnionym sprawdzoną w czasie patologiczną stadiowaniem i dokumentacją marginesów.1
W przyszłości może być pewna rola dla patologicznej oceny różnicowania mioepitelialnego w typach guzów gruczołów ślinowych, ponieważ wydaje się, że ten typ komórek ma modyfikujący wpływ na zachowanie biologiczne.2
W przyszłości zostaną prawdopodobnie zdefiniowane genetyczne i proteomiczne podstawy wielu morfologicznych i biologicznych rozróżnień, które obecnie rozpoznajemy. Miejmy nadzieję, że przełoży się to na bardziej skuteczne terapie zapobiegania, kontroli lokalnej i leczenia wielu złośliwych nowotworów gruczołów ślinowych, które obecnie są związane z notorycznie przedłużającym się, ale śmiertelnym przebiegiem.3
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Materiały źródłowe
- #1 Salivary Gland Cancer Diagnosis | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centerhttps://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/salivary-gland/salivary-gland-cancer-diagnosis
Making an accurate diagnosis is a key first step in developing the best treatment plan for salivary gland cancer. […] As part of this process, your doctor will tell you: […] You will also need to have a number of diagnostic tests. These include scans as well as laboratory tests. […] Throughout your care, well continue to use some of these tests to track the size of your tumor and assess your response to treatment. […] During a salivary gland biopsy, your surgeon removes a small amount of abnormal tissue from the gland where cancer is suspected. […] The pathologist works with the other members of your care team to make a diagnosis. […] At Memorial Sloan Kettering, we have a team of pathologists whose sole focus is diagnosing cancers of the head and neck. […] A more precise diagnosis can improve the effectiveness of your treatment or spare you from treatment that wont work against your disease.
- #1 Diagnosis of salivary gland cancer | Canadian Cancer Societyhttps://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/salivary-gland/diagnosis
Diagnosis is the process of finding out the cause of a health problem. Diagnosing salivary gland cancer usually begins with a visit to your family doctor. Your doctor will ask you about any symptoms you have and do a physical exam. Based on this information, your doctor may refer you to a specialist or order tests to check for salivary gland cancer or other health problems. […] The following tests are usually used to rule out or diagnose salivary gland cancer. Many of the same tests used to diagnose cancer are used to find out the stage (how far the cancer has progressed). Your doctor may also order other tests to check your general health and to help plan your treatment. […] A physical exam allows your doctor to look for any signs of salivary gland cancer. During a physical exam, your doctor may: check for any lumps in your jaw, cheek, neck and mouth; look for any changes to your face, such as drooping muscles, unevenness or twitching; test for areas of numbness, or lack of feeling, on your face; ask you to open your mouth and move your tongue; use a small mirror and a light to look inside your mouth.
- #1 Salivary gland tumors – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/salivary-gland-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354155
Salivary gland tumor diagnosis often begins with a physical exam of the area by a healthcare professional. Imaging tests and a biopsy may be used to find the location of the tumor and determine what type of cells are involved. […] Imaging tests make pictures of the body. They can show the location and size of a salivary gland tumor. Tests might include MRI, CT and positron emission tomography, which is also called a PET scan. […] A biopsy is a procedure to remove a sample of tissue for testing in a lab. To collect a sample of tissue, a fine-needle aspiration or a core needle biopsy may be used. During the biopsy, a thin needle is inserted into the salivary gland to draw out a sample of suspicious cells. The sample is sent to a lab for testing. Tests can show what types of cells are involved and whether the cells are cancerous.
- #1 Diagnosis of salivary gland cancer | Canadian Cancer Societyhttps://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/salivary-gland/diagnosis
A CT scan is used to find a salivary gland tumour and get more information about its size, shape and location. It is also used to find out if the tumour has grown into tissues around the salivary gland, nerves in the face or nearby lymph nodes. […] An MRI is becoming more common as a diagnostic test for tumours in a parotid gland. It is used to find a tumour and get more information about its size, shape and location. MRI is also used to find out if the tumour has grown into tissues around the salivary gland, nerves in the face or nearby lymph nodes. MRI is better than a CT scan for telling if a salivary gland tumour is non-cancerous or cancerous. […] An ultrasound may help identify the type of salivary gland tumour. It may also give the doctors information about the blood supply to the tumour and to guide a biopsy.
- #1 Current Developments in Diagnosis of Salivary Gland Tumors: From Structure to Artificial Intelligencehttps://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/14/6/727
Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is included in the pre-surgery workup for salivary gland neoplasm diagnosis. In 2018, the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) was published. This system provided six diagnosis categories for salivary gland lesions: non-diagnostic, non-neoplastic, atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), neoplasm, suspicion for malignancy and malignant. […] Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are available to study these lesions. Ultrasound is affordable and can evaluate tumor borders and content, but it poorly visualizes the deep lobe lesions of the parotid gland. The CT technique involves radiation, and salivary gland tumors can be similar in its images. Magnetic resonance imaging has high resolution but also involves high costs.
- #1 Diagnosis | Center for Advanced Parotid Surgery in Beverly Hills, CAhttps://www.parotidsurgerymd.com/conditions/diagnosis/
CT scans are quick and can give a fair amount of information. Some tumors are very visible as seen in the images to the right; the parotid glands on each side are outlined in blue, the jawbone in yellow, the throat in orange and the tumor in green. […] CT scans can show stones in the salivary glands & their ducts very well. Salivary stones or sialoliths are made up to a large part from calcium which on a CT scan shows as a light (white) colored object. […] MRI is a very sophisticated scan that shows the parotid gland itself in detail, along with the dimensions and shape of a tumor. It also shows other soft tissue structures such as muscles, fat, blood vessels, lymph nodes, and the spinal cord in great detail. […] Needle biopsy of parotid tumors is a very accurate way of identifying the type of tumor you are dealing with. At the CENTER we perform ultrasound guided needle biopsy of almost all parotid tumors, and for our patients that live in other cities we help you arrange for a biopsy.
- #1 Current Developments in Diagnosis of Salivary Gland Tumors: From Structure to Artificial Intelligencehttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11204840/
The purpose of MSRSGC is to offer an easy-to-use guide for cytopathologists. […] The combination between non-contrast MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging, arterial spin labelling and amide proton transfer weighted imaging was shown to be able to differentiate between benign and malignant salivary gland lesions. […] Several diagnostic methods are currently studied for establishing diagnosis and guiding the treatment strategy for salivary gland tumors. […] AI-assisted salivary biomarker models for oral cancer diagnosis are now being studied. […] AI is expected to reduce human error, save time, improve objectivity, identify hidden data and enhance the workflow in the laboratory. […] Currently, it is considered that AI could be an efficient assistant to the pathologist in a variety of digital pathologist tasks. […] Diagnosing salivary gland tumors with histopathological examinations, studies represented by MRI, CT or ultrasonography rely on the experience of the medical staff handling the examination tools and clinical data.
- #1 Salivary Gland Cancer – Head and Neck Cancer Australiahttps://www.headandneckcancer.org.au/types-of-head-neck-cancer/salivary-gland-cancer/
PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan […] This is a whole body scan that uses a radioactive form of sugar which can show if salivary gland cancer has spread to other parts of the body. […] Ultrasound Scan […] This uses sound waves and helps the doctor to see salivary gland cancer. An ultrasound scan can show if a cancer is benign or malignant. Ultrasound scans are also often used to guide a needle biopsy and to look at lymph nodes.
- #1https://www.americanoncology.com/cancer-we-treat/diagnosis/salivary-gland-cancer
Diagnosis of salivary gland tumor can be done through the following methods: […] Medical history and physical examination: The patients undergo a comprehensive physical examination to check for the signs associated with salivary gland cancer or other diseases causing symptoms. […] Magnetic resonance imaging: It is recommended to perform MRI for all tumors as there is a high risk of malignancy. […] Computed tomography: Patients may undergo computed tomography (CT) scan to diagnose salivary gland cancer. […] Positron emission tomography: PET scan provides vital information about the staging, histological grading, and response after treatment. […] X-rays: It is performed during the advanced stage of the salivary gland tumor to determine if the salivary gland cancer has spread to the lungs. […] Ultrasound: Ultrasound may also be performed to determine any swelling in the lymph nodes of the neck. […] Biopsy: Biopsy involves obtaining a sample of the abnormal tissue of the salivary gland or any organ and evaluating them in the laboratory to detect the presence of cancerous cells.
- #1 Salivary Gland Cancer Diagnosis | MD Anderson Cancer Centerhttps://www.mdanderson.org/cancer-types/salivary-gland-cancer/salivary-gland-cancer-diagnosis.html
An accurate diagnosis is the first step in successful salivary gland cancer treatment. […] If you have a suspected salivary gland cancer, your doctor will ask about your health and medical history. You will also undergo tests to diagnose the type of salivary gland cancer and the cancer stage. The following tests are used to diagnose salivary gland cancer and how much it has grown, as well as to monitor the disease and how it responds to treatment. […] A biopsy is the only way to conclusively diagnose salivary gland cancer. […] Imaging exams can help locate the suspected cancer and show whether it has spread. They are important in helping to plan surgery and determine the cancers stage. […] These tests are not used to diagnose cancer. Instead, they help doctors monitor the patients overall health during treatment. […] If you are diagnosed with salivary gland cancer, your doctor will determine the stage (or extent) of the disease. The various stages classify how far and to which parts of the body the cancer has spread. Staging helps doctors plan the best treatment for you.
- #1 Current Developments in Diagnosis of Salivary Gland Tumors: From Structure to Artificial Intelligencehttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11204840/
Salivary glands tumors are uncommon neoplasms with variable incidence, heterogenous histologies and unpredictable biological behaviour. […] Because of their diversity and overlapping features, these tumors require complex methods of evaluation. Diagnostic procedures include imaging techniques combined with clinical examination, fine needle aspiration and histopathological investigation of the excised specimens. […] The diagnostic procedures include imaging techniques combined with clinical examination and fine needle aspiration cytology. […] Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is included in the pre-surgery workup for salivary gland neoplasm diagnosis. […] In 2018, the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) was published. This system provided six diagnosis categories for salivary gland lesions: non-diagnostic, non-neoplastic, atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), neoplasm, suspicion for malignancy and malignant.
- #1 Salivary Gland Tumors: A Diagnostic Dilemma!https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4379294/
Salivary gland tumors generate considerable interest because of their heterogeneous and variable histology, grade of malignancy, and clinical behavior. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is considered the first diagnostic modality for salivary neoplasms due to its ready availability and ease of performance. However it cannot always be relied upon in isolation, and should be used in conjunction with other investigations like incisional biopsy. […] The mainstay of FNAC in salivary gland disease is distinguishing benign from malignant. The sensitivity and specificity reported is high for benign lesions, whereas it decreases in cases of malignant tumors. […] Fine needle aspiration cytology for salivary gland disease has not gained universal acceptance because of reported complications of haemorrhage, turnout seeding within the needle tract, infection and lack of confidence in diagnostic accuracy.
- #1 Salivary Gland Tumors: A Diagnostic Dilemma!https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4379294/
Clinical examination and conventional imaging techniques alone usually cannot reliably distinguish between benign and malignant diseases nor subclassify the pathologic process. […] Fine needle aspiration cytology is widely used as a first-line technique for the diagnosis of salivary gland pathologies. […] Although 75 % of all tumors in the parotid gland and 20 % of all tumors of the minor salivary gland are benign, FNAC is helpful in distinguishing between benign and malignant pathology and salivary and other nonsalivary pathology. However many studies have highlighted its limitations including a high rate of false-negative results and poor accuracy for distinguishing between the various types of malignant salivary gland tumours. […] The accuracy of diagnosis of malignancy exceeds 90 % in most series, although the type of malignancy can be difficult to determine.
- #1 Salivary Gland Tumors: A Diagnostic Dilemma!https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4379294/
However, it is important to emphasize that although ACC has well defined cytologic diagnostic criteria, the literature reports FNAC false-negative results of up to 33 % and specificity of near 50 % for this tumor. […] Some authorities advocate the use of image-guided FNAC, which may be more accurate than FNAC. […] The highlight of this paper is that, while FNA is the mainstay of diagnosis of salivary gland tumors, it cannot always be relied upon in isolation, and should be used in conjunction with other investigations like incisional biopsy, IHC and newer MR technologies. […] To increase the diagnostic accuracy in benign salivary glandular lesions, triple assessment consisting of cytologic features, clinical information, and radiologic findings is essential.
- #1https://journals.lww.com/crst/fulltext/2024/07010/looking_through_the_same_lens__.11.aspx
With the advent of molecular diagnostic testing at higher centers, both FNAC and CNB in indeterminate cases can be subjected to immunohistochemistry. […] In some cases, immunohistochemical markers can provide valuable prognostic information. […] Although hematoxylin-eosin staining remains the gold standard for diagnosis of salivary gland tumors, immunohistochemistry is a vital tool to improve diagnostic accuracy.
- #1 Diagnosing Salivary Gland Cancer | NYU Langone Healthhttps://nyulangone.org/conditions/salivary-gland-cancer/diagnosis
NYU Langone doctors are experts at diagnosing salivary gland cancer, a form of head and neck cancer. […] To help diagnose salivary gland cancer, doctors ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam of the head and neck. During the exam, they feel for abnormal masses in front of the ears, in the mouth, and in the upper neck. […] If a doctor detects a mass, he or she uses sophisticated diagnostic tests to determine if salivary gland cancer is present and whether it is aggressive or indolent. […] Doctors may perform a fine needle aspiration in the office if they identify a suspicious salivary gland mass. […] A pathologist examines these cells under a microscope. He or she determines whether the cells are cancerous and the type of tumor. […] An incisional biopsy may be used to remove salivary gland masses that may grow in the small glands of the lips and in the soft palate, which is the fleshy part of the roof of the mouth.
- #1 Salivary Gland Cancer – Head and Neck Cancer Australiahttps://www.headandneckcancer.org.au/types-of-head-neck-cancer/salivary-gland-cancer/
Biopsy […] This involves taking a small piece (sample) from the cancer. The sample is then examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. This is often the only sure way to tell if you have cancer. Diagnosis of salivary gland cancers can be very difficult and, sometimes, a definite diagnosis cannot be made until the whole cancer is removed. […] Your doctor may recommend an incision biopsy or a needle biopsy. […] CT (Computed Tomography) Scan […] This uses X-rays to take pictures of the inside of the body. If the person has cancer, a CT scan can help the doctor see where it is, measure how big it is, and if it has spread into nearby organs or other parts of your body. […] MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scan […] This uses magnetic fields to take pictures of the inside of the body. MRI is very good at looking at the salivary glands and determining whether any cancer is spreading along the nerves.
- #1 Salivary Gland Cancer Diagnosis | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centerhttps://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/salivary-gland/salivary-gland-cancer-diagnosis
These imaging tests provide more details about the tissue. […] If cancer is found, the scans can show how deep the cancer is and if it has spread. […] At MSK, our radiologists use the most-advanced imaging technologies to safely detect and monitor cancer. […] Genomic testing is also called tumor sequencing or molecular profiling. […] Genomic testing can say if any mutations in your cells could be linked to the type of cancer you have. […] Genetic information about your tumor can also help us predict the chances that your cancer will return after treatment. […] Some of these genes are very specific to certain types of salivary gland cancer and can help your pathologist make a very precise diagnosis. […] Our researchers are currently looking for salivary gland tumor markers that can help guide treatment decisions.
- #1 Molecular Biomarkers in Salivary⦠| College of American Pathologistshttps://www.cap.org/member-resources/articles/molecular-biomarkers-in-salivary-gland-neoplasms
Salivary gland neoplasms are relatively rare, accounting for approximately 5% of head and neck cancers worldwide. These neoplasms pose a diagnostic challenge to pathologists, as morphologic features are overlapping, even between low- and high-grade neoplasms. Notably, a significant number of salivary gland tumors harbor specific genetic alterations. While salivary gland tumors have historically been diagnosed through morphology and immunohistochemistry, the identification of recurring genetic alterations both mutations and structural rearrangements now serves multiple clinical purposes: facilitating diagnosis in complex cases, informing surgical and targeted therapy decisions, evaluating treatment response, determining clinical trial eligibility, and providing prognostic insights. […] Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology serves as the primary initial diagnostic tool for salivary gland lesions, with reporting standardized through the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology, which also provides malignancy risk assessments. For surgical specimens, the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumors offers comprehensive guidelines, cataloging more than 30 distinct epithelial salivary gland tumors.
- #1 Molecular Biomarkers in Salivary⦠| College of American Pathologistshttps://www.cap.org/member-resources/articles/molecular-biomarkers-in-salivary-gland-neoplasms
While distinctive morphological patterns can definitively diagnose many salivary gland neoplasms, cases involving high-grade transformation or overlapping features present significant diagnostic challenges. In such instances, clinicians can use an array of ancillary testing, including immunohistochemical staining, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), RNA in situ hybridization (RNA ISH), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and next-generation sequencing (NGS). These techniques identify specific genetic alterations that not only aid in diagnosis but also provide valuable insights into prognosis and treatment response. […] Certain gene fusions are highly specific for salivary gland neoplasm types and may be used to aid in the diagnosis of these entities. NR4A3 gene alterations are highly specific for acinic cell carcinoma. MYB and MYBL1 gene fusions are highly specific for adenoid cystic carcinoma. CTNNB1 mutations are common in basal cell adenoma, while CYLD1 mutations are more prevalent in basal cell carcinomas. The EWSR1::ATF1 gene fusion is specific for clear cell carcinoma in the salivary gland. RET fusions, particularly NCOA4::RET, are characteristic for intraductal carcinoma. CRTC1/3::MAML2 fusions are considered diagnostic for mucoepidermoid carcinoma. PLAG1 and HMGA2 gene fusions are highly specific for pleomorphic adenocarcinoma and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma, but can also be seen in carcinomas with epithelial-myoepithelial morphology. ETV6 gene fusions aid in the diagnosis of secretory carcinoma. PRKD1 p.E710D mutations and PRKD1/2/3 gene fusions may help aid in differentiation between polymorphous adenocarcinoma and other salivary gland tumors. NTRK gene fusions are present in the overwhelming majority of secretory carcinomas. […] Despite their rarity, molecular testing of salivary gland tumors both enhances diagnostic accuracy and enables personalized therapeutic strategies based on each patient’s unique genetic profile.
- #1 Salivary gland tumors – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/salivary-gland-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354155
If you’re diagnosed with salivary gland cancer, you may have other tests to see if the cancer has spread. These tests help your healthcare team find out the extent of your cancer, also called the stage. Cancer staging tests often involve imaging tests. The tests might look for signs of cancer in your lymph nodes or in other parts of your body. Your healthcare team uses the cancer staging test results to help create your treatment plan. […] Imaging tests may include CT, MRI and PET scan. Not every test is right for every person. Talk with your healthcare professional about which procedures will work for you. […] The stages of salivary gland cancer range from 0 to 4. A stage 0 salivary gland cancer is small and only in the gland. As the cancer gets larger and grows deeper into the gland and surrounding areas, such as the facial nerve, the stages get higher. A stage 4 salivary gland cancer has grown beyond the gland or has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck or to distant parts of the body.
- #1 Salivary gland tumors | UM Health-Sparrowhttps://www.uofmhealthsparrow.org/departments-conditions/conditions/salivary-gland-tumors
If you’re diagnosed with salivary gland cancer, you may have other tests to see if the cancer has spread. These tests help your healthcare team find out the extent of your cancer, also called the stage. Cancer staging tests often involve imaging tests. The tests might look for signs of cancer in your lymph nodes or in other parts of your body. Your healthcare team uses the cancer staging test results to help create your treatment plan. […] Imaging tests may include CT, MRI and PET scan. Not every test is right for every person. Talk with your healthcare professional about which procedures will work for you. […] The stages of salivary gland cancer range from 0 to 4. A stage 0 salivary gland cancer is small and only in the gland. As the cancer gets larger and grows deeper into the gland and surrounding areas, such as the facial nerve, the stages get higher. A stage 4 salivary gland cancer has grown beyond the gland or has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck or to distant parts of the body.
- #1 Salivary Gland Cancer | Cancer Support Communityhttps://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/salivary-gland-cancer
In stage I, cancer has formed. The tumor is in the salivary gland only and is 2 centimeters or smaller. […] In stage II, the tumor is in the salivary gland only and is larger than 2 centimeters but not larger than 4 centimeters. […] In stage III, one of the following is true: […] Stage IV is divided into stages IVA, IVB, and IVC as follows: […] If the cancer is more likely to grow and spread quickly, or if it already spread to nearby lymph nodes, the doctor will perform a neck dissection. This is removal of lymph nodes and other tissues in the neck.
- #1 Tests for salivary gland cancer | Cancer Research UKhttps://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/salivary-gland-cancer/getting-diagnosed/tests-salivary-cancer
The tests you have helps your doctor find out if you have salivary gland cancer and how far it has grown. This is the stage of the cancer. This is important because doctors recommend your treatment according to the stage of the cancer. […] You usually start by seeing your GP and they might refer you to a specialist and organise tests.
- #1 Salivary Gland Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – NCIhttps://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/hp/adult/salivary-gland-treatment-pdq
Histologically, salivary gland tumors represent the most heterogenous group of tumors of any tissue in the body. […] Most patients with benign tumors of the major or minor salivary glands present with painless swelling of the parotid, submandibular, or sublingual glands. Neurological signs, such as numbness or weakness caused by nerve involvement, typically indicate a malignancy. […] Early-stage, low-grade, malignant salivary gland tumors are usually curable by adequate surgical resection alone. The prognosis is more favorable when the tumor is in a major salivary gland. […] Overall, clinical stage, particularly tumor size, may be the crucial factor that determines the outcome of salivary gland cancer and may be more important than histological grade. […] Perineural invasion can occur, particularly in high-grade adenoid cystic carcinoma, and should be specifically identified and treated.
- #1 Salivary Gland Cancer Stages 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and Tumor Grades | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centerhttps://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/salivary-gland/salivary-gland-cancer-diagnosis/stages-salivary-gland
At some point, your doctor will tell you what stage your cancer is. Put simply, the stage describes how widespread or advanced the cancer is. Determining the stage helps doctors explain the extent of the cancer to you. It also helps them determine how to move forward with treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. You will also find out the grade of your cancer, which tells you how fast or slow the tumor is growing. […] Your doctor will assign a stage to your cancer after your physical exam and the initial results from your biopsy or imaging tests. The stage may be adjusted if you have additional tests or after surgery. […] Most salivary gland cancers are also characterized according to their grade. The grade of a tumor tells how fast the cancer cells are growing, based on how the cells look under a microscope. This information helps your doctor make decisions about how best to care for you. […] Salivary gland cancers are either low grade or high grade. Low-grade cancers grow more slowly than high-grade cancers. A higher-grade cancer may require immediate or more-aggressive treatment.
- #1 Benign Tumors of Major Salivary Glands Workup: Laboratory Studies, Imaging Studies, Biopsyhttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/194357-workup
Imaging studies are most helpful in the diagnostic evaluation of salivary gland tumors (SGTs). […] Ultrasonography (US) is often the first-line modality for characterizing a neoplasm within the parotid or submandibular glands. […] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) may be used to further characterize larger tumors, those that extend beyond the depth that US can adequately assess, and those that raise concerns for malignant features on US or clinical assessment. […] Generally speaking, findings from CT and MRI cannot reliably be used to differentiate benign from malignant disease. […] The reliability of FNA in making the diagnosis and determining the grade of malignancy remains a controversial issue. […] In the absence of the ability to differentiate the grade of malignancy, FNA may play a limited role in the decision to offer an operation; however, if the diagnosis of a high-grade salivary gland malignancy is made preoperatively, FNA may influence the extent of the operation. […] There are, however, some disadvantages and limitations to this method, including increased pain for the patient and a greater risk of nerve injury and hematoma formation.
- #1 Salivary Gland Neoplasia: A Review for the Practicing Pathologist | Modern Pathologyhttps://www.nature.com/articles/3880525
There are few absolutes in salivary gland tumor diagnosis given the marked spectrum and overlap of differentiated cell types that participate in the numerous benign and malignant tumors. […] In the future there may be some role for the pathologic assessment of myoepithelial differentiation in salivary gland tumor types, as there appears to be a modifying effect of this cell type on biologic behavior. […] This review has touched on practical clinical and diagnostic issues of the past 30 years in salivary gland tumor pathology. The next 30 years will see definition of the genetic and proteomic underpinnings of many of the morphologic and biologic distinctions we currently recognize. Hopefully, this will translate into more effective therapies for prevention, local control and cure for many of the salivary gland malignancies currently associated with notoriously protracted but lethal courses.
- #1 Current Developments in Diagnosis of Salivary Gland Tumors: From Structure to Artificial Intelligencehttps://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/14/6/727
Several diagnostic methods are currently studied for establishing diagnosis and guiding the treatment strategy for salivary gland tumors. Morphological parameters like inflammatory biomarkers and radiomics extracted from imaging techniques or from histopathological slides are analyzed as possible targets in establishing diagnosis. […] Diagnosing salivary gland tumors with histopathological examinations, studies represented by MRI, CT or ultrasonography rely on the experience of the medical staff handling the examination tools and clinical data.
- #1 Diagnosis of Salivary Gland Tumors Using Transfer Learning with Fine-Tuning and Gradual Unfreezinghttps://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/13/21/3333
However, diagnosing SGTs using US relies on subjective features. […] Therefore, our aim was to establish objective methods that can assist in the diagnosis of SGTs using US images. […] In this study, our goal was to provide an objective US diagnostic method by utilizing both a CNN trained from scratch and TL with fine-tuning and gradual unfreezing to differentiate between malignant and benign SGTs. […] We aimed to assess the diagnostic potential of ultrasound imaging alone when encountering a newly diagnosed SGT. […] The results demonstrated that TL with fine-tuning and gradual unfreezing outperformed the CNN trained from scratch. […] Specifically, the ResNet50V2 model with fine-tuning and gradual unfreezing achieved the highest diagnostic accuracy compared to DenseNet121 and VGG16. […] Our model demonstrated the potential to classify SGTs more effectively than subjective US features, with a diagnostic performance similar to that of CT or MRI. […] Our study provides an effective and objective US method for distinguishing between malignant and benign SGTs.
- #1 Salivary gland cancer | Macmillan Cancer Supporthttps://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/head-and-neck-cancer/salivary-gland-cancer
A team of specialists will meet to discuss the best possible treatment for you. This is called a multidisciplinary team (MDT). […] Your cancer doctor or specialist nurse will explain the different treatments, any possible side effects and the support you have. […] Your treatment depends on: […] You may have some treatments as part of a clinical trial.
- #1 Salivary and Parotid Gland Cancer – UChicago Medicinehttps://www.uchicagomedicine.org/cancer/types-treatments/head-neck-cancers/salivary-and-parotid-gland-cancers
For rare cancers, like those that affect the salivary glands, it can be difficult to find an experienced team of physicians who are on top of the most up-to-date treatments. […] Our goal is to successfully treat your cancer while ensuring you have the best possible quality of life during and after treatment. […] To determine if you have a salivary gland tumor and whether it is cancerous, we will conduct various tests, including MRIs, CT scans and other imaging studies. A biopsy, or removal of a small piece of tissue, is also needed. […] More than two dozen types of cancer can affect the salivary glands, including mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and adenocarcinomas. […] Diagnostic accuracy is essential, and our pathologists specialize in determining which subtype of cancer you have.
- #1 Salivary Gland Neoplasia: A Review for the Practicing Pathologist | Modern Pathologyhttps://www.nature.com/articles/3880525
In all salivary gland malignancies it is important for the pathologist to completely document in the resection specimen the following to enable clinical staging, as specified in 1997 AJCC/UICC guidelines, to be pathologically confirmed: […] For T component, aspects of size and local extension: […] For N component, aspects of number and size of positive nodes: […] In general, histologic/cytologic grade is predictive of biologic behavior for salivary gland malignancies but lack of significance in survival studies compounded by issues of subjectivity and interobserver variation limit the influence of tumor grade. […] The current surgical pathology approach to salivary gland tumor diagnosis and characterization is a morphologic one with limited use of immunohistochemistry in select differential diagnoses, complemented with time tested pathologic staging and documentation of margins.
- #2 Salivary Gland Cancer Diagnosis | MD Anderson Cancer Centerhttps://www.mdanderson.org/cancer-types/salivary-gland-cancer/salivary-gland-cancer-diagnosis.html
An accurate diagnosis is the first step in successful salivary gland cancer treatment. […] If you have a suspected salivary gland cancer, your doctor will ask about your health and medical history. You will also undergo tests to diagnose the type of salivary gland cancer and the cancer stage. The following tests are used to diagnose salivary gland cancer and how much it has grown, as well as to monitor the disease and how it responds to treatment. […] A biopsy is the only way to conclusively diagnose salivary gland cancer. […] Imaging exams can help locate the suspected cancer and show whether it has spread. They are important in helping to plan surgery and determine the cancers stage. […] These tests are not used to diagnose cancer. Instead, they help doctors monitor the patients overall health during treatment. […] If you are diagnosed with salivary gland cancer, your doctor will determine the stage (or extent) of the disease. The various stages classify how far and to which parts of the body the cancer has spread. Staging helps doctors plan the best treatment for you.
- #2 Get Salivary Gland Cancer Treatment | Cleveland Clinichttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/salivary-gland-cancer-treatment
Diagnosing Salivary Gland Cancer at Cleveland Clinic […] Before you start treatment, our experienced head and neck team will find out what type of tumor it is, where it is and how far the cancer has progressed (its stage). […] Your provider will also do a physical exam to learn about your overall health and look for signs of salivary gland cancer. This includes checking for lumps in your salivary glands and seeing how nerves in your face respond to different things. Youll also have other tests to confirm a diagnosis. […] Testing for salivary gland cancer […] Imaging tests can help us see where the tumor is, how large it is and if its spread. You might have: […] An MRI. […] A CT scan. […] A PET scan. […] Well also take a small tissue sample (biopsy) from the tumor and send it to our lab. Our expert pathologists will look at the cells under a microscope to learn more about what kind of cancer it is. They may also test these cells to see how they respond to certain medications. This helps us create your personalized treatment plan.
- #2 Salivary gland tumors | Diagnosis | UK Healthcarehttps://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/markey-cancer-center/cancer-types/head-neck-cancer/salivary-gland-tumors/diagnosis
If your health care provider believes you may have salivary gland cancer, you will need to be tested to be sure. During your test, you should expect to be asked questions about your health history, your symptoms, risk factors and family history of disease. Understanding your background helps your provider make a diagnosis. […] We use a variety of tests to diagnose and determine the extent of salivary gland tumors. Tests we use include: Imaging tests, Biopsy, Test results, Second opinions, Additional resources. […] A fine needle aspiration is a type of biopsy that uses a needle to remove tissue or cells from the salivary gland to be checked by a pathologist under a microscope. Results from a biopsy help differentiate between cancerous and noncancerous cells. […] When you are diagnosed with salivary gland cancer, it is common to feel a sense of urgency around starting treatment. However, in most cases, there is time to do the needed research to ensure that your diagnosis is correct. That may include getting a second opinion. […] A second opinion can help to ensure that you will be getting the latest and most effective therapy for treating salivary gland cancer.
- #2 How is Salivary Gland Cancer Diagnosed?| Tests for Salivary Cancer | American Cancer Societyhttps://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/salivary-gland-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html
Imaging tests might be done for a number of reasons, before and after a cancer diagnosis, including: To help find a suspicious area that might be cancer, To learn how far cancer may have spread, To help find out if treatment has been effective, To look for signs that the cancer has come back (recurred) after treatment. […] If surgery is planned, you might also have an electrocardiogram (EKG) to make sure your heart is working well. Some people having surgery also may need breathing tests, called pulmonary (lung) function tests (PFTs).
- #2 Diagnosis | Center for Advanced Parotid Surgery in Beverly Hills, CAhttps://www.parotidsurgerymd.com/conditions/diagnosis/
There are 3 main categories of diseases that happen in the salivary glands: Tumors (benign or cancers), inflammatory (infection or autoimmune), and obstructive (stones). […] We have a variety of excellent tools that can help the doctors at the CENTER diagnose the source of your parotid disease. Scans can show the anatomy of the parotid gland and if there is a tumor or stone in the glands, or if the gland is simply enlarged. Blood tests can tell us if there is inflammation, infection or an autoimmune reaction. Needle biopsy can tell us the exact type of tumor that is present in the gland. […] There are 4 main modalities used for parotid cancer imaging. They are ultrasound, CT scan, MRI & PET scan. Each has its own particular indication and utility. […] Ultrasound, specially when done in the office by the parotid surgeon can be very helpful because it can immediately give you very important detail about the tumor. It can show the exact size and shape of the tumor; also wether the borders of the tumor are clearly visible, and is it invading any of the surrounding structures.
- #2 Tests for salivary gland cancer | Cancer Research UKhttps://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/salivary-gland-cancer/getting-diagnosed/tests-salivary-cancer
You might have a CT scan of your head and neck to see: how big the cancer is and if there are any changes to the lymph nodes in your neck; whether the cancer has spread. […] Not everyone has a PET scan when being diagnosed with salivary gland cancer. It might help your doctors see how big the cancer is and whether it has spread. […] You might have an MRI scan to see how big the salivary gland cancer is and whether it has spread. […] Your doctor can look to see if there are gene changes found on chromosomes within your cells. […] Knowing this can help your doctor: understand the type of salivary gland cancer you have; make decisions about your treatment. […] Your salivary gland cancer cells can be tested in the laboratory to see if it has androgen receptors. This type of hormone treatment is used for advanced or metastatic salivary gland cancer.
- #2 Diagnosis of salivary gland cancer | Canadian Cancer Societyhttps://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/salivary-gland/diagnosis
A CT scan is used to find a salivary gland tumour and get more information about its size, shape and location. It is also used to find out if the tumour has grown into tissues around the salivary gland, nerves in the face or nearby lymph nodes. […] An MRI is becoming more common as a diagnostic test for tumours in a parotid gland. It is used to find a tumour and get more information about its size, shape and location. MRI is also used to find out if the tumour has grown into tissues around the salivary gland, nerves in the face or nearby lymph nodes. MRI is better than a CT scan for telling if a salivary gland tumour is non-cancerous or cancerous. […] An ultrasound may help identify the type of salivary gland tumour. It may also give the doctors information about the blood supply to the tumour and to guide a biopsy.
- #2 How is Salivary Gland Cancer Diagnosed?| Tests for Salivary Cancer | American Cancer Societyhttps://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/salivary-gland-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html
Salivary gland cancer is most often diagnosed when a person goes to a doctor because of symptoms they are having. […] If you have signs or symptoms that might be caused by a salivary gland tumor, your doctor will examine you and order tests to find out if they’re being caused by cancer or some other condition. If cancer is found, more tests may be done. […] Symptoms and the results of exams or imaging tests may strongly suggest you have salivary gland cancer, but the actual diagnosis is made on a biopsy sample by a pathologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and classifying cancer by testing and looking at cells in the lab). Different types of biopsies might be done, depending on the situation. […] All biopsy samples are sent to a lab to be checked by a pathologist, a doctor who is specially trained to diagnose cancer from a biopsy. The doctor can usually tell cancer cells from normal cells, as well as what type of cancer it is, by the way the cells look. In some cases, the doctor may need to test the cells with special stains to help find out what type of salivary gland cancer it is.
- #2 Salivary Gland Cancer – Head and Neck Cancer Australiahttps://www.headandneckcancer.org.au/types-of-head-neck-cancer/salivary-gland-cancer/
Biopsy […] This involves taking a small piece (sample) from the cancer. The sample is then examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. This is often the only sure way to tell if you have cancer. Diagnosis of salivary gland cancers can be very difficult and, sometimes, a definite diagnosis cannot be made until the whole cancer is removed. […] Your doctor may recommend an incision biopsy or a needle biopsy. […] CT (Computed Tomography) Scan […] This uses X-rays to take pictures of the inside of the body. If the person has cancer, a CT scan can help the doctor see where it is, measure how big it is, and if it has spread into nearby organs or other parts of your body. […] MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scan […] This uses magnetic fields to take pictures of the inside of the body. MRI is very good at looking at the salivary glands and determining whether any cancer is spreading along the nerves.
- #2 Salivary Gland Cancer Diagnosis | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centerhttps://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/salivary-gland/salivary-gland-cancer-diagnosis
These imaging tests provide more details about the tissue. […] If cancer is found, the scans can show how deep the cancer is and if it has spread. […] At MSK, our radiologists use the most-advanced imaging technologies to safely detect and monitor cancer. […] Genomic testing is also called tumor sequencing or molecular profiling. […] Genomic testing can say if any mutations in your cells could be linked to the type of cancer you have. […] Genetic information about your tumor can also help us predict the chances that your cancer will return after treatment. […] Some of these genes are very specific to certain types of salivary gland cancer and can help your pathologist make a very precise diagnosis. […] Our researchers are currently looking for salivary gland tumor markers that can help guide treatment decisions.
- #2 Salivary Gland Cancer | Cancer Support Communityhttps://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/salivary-gland-cancer
In stage I, cancer has formed. The tumor is in the salivary gland only and is 2 centimeters or smaller. […] In stage II, the tumor is in the salivary gland only and is larger than 2 centimeters but not larger than 4 centimeters. […] In stage III, one of the following is true: […] Stage IV is divided into stages IVA, IVB, and IVC as follows: […] If the cancer is more likely to grow and spread quickly, or if it already spread to nearby lymph nodes, the doctor will perform a neck dissection. This is removal of lymph nodes and other tissues in the neck.
- #2 Salivary Gland Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – NCIhttps://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/hp/adult/salivary-gland-treatment-pdq
Complications of surgical treatment for parotid neoplasms include facial nerve dysfunction and Frey syndrome (also known as gustatory flushing and sweating and auriculotemporal syndrome). […] The AJCC has designated staging by TNM (tumor, node, metastasis) classification to define salivary gland cancer. […] Clinical stage, particularly tumor size, may be the critical factor in determining the outcome of salivary gland cancer and may be more important than histological grade. […] Fast neutron-beam radiation therapy or accelerated hyperfractionated photon-beam schedules have been reported to be more effective than conventional x-ray therapy in the treatment of patients with inoperable, unresectable, or recurrent malignant salivary gland tumors. […] The prognosis for any patient with progressing or relapsing salivary gland cancer is poor, regardless of cell type or stage. Selecting further treatment depends on many factors, including the specific cancer, prior treatment, site of recurrence, and individual patient considerations. Fast neutron-beam radiation therapy is superior to conventional radiation therapy using x-rays and may be curative in selected patients with recurrent disease.
- #2 Salivary Gland Cancer Stages 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and Tumor Grades | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centerhttps://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/salivary-gland/salivary-gland-cancer-diagnosis/stages-salivary-gland
At some point, your doctor will tell you what stage your cancer is. Put simply, the stage describes how widespread or advanced the cancer is. Determining the stage helps doctors explain the extent of the cancer to you. It also helps them determine how to move forward with treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. You will also find out the grade of your cancer, which tells you how fast or slow the tumor is growing. […] Your doctor will assign a stage to your cancer after your physical exam and the initial results from your biopsy or imaging tests. The stage may be adjusted if you have additional tests or after surgery. […] Most salivary gland cancers are also characterized according to their grade. The grade of a tumor tells how fast the cancer cells are growing, based on how the cells look under a microscope. This information helps your doctor make decisions about how best to care for you. […] Salivary gland cancers are either low grade or high grade. Low-grade cancers grow more slowly than high-grade cancers. A higher-grade cancer may require immediate or more-aggressive treatment.
- #2 Salivary Gland Malignancies: Diagnosis and Treatment of a Rare and Challenging Cancer – ENTtodayhttps://www.enttoday.org/article/salivary-gland-malignancies-diagnosis-and-treatment-of-a-rare-and-challenging-cancer/
Salivary gland malignancies affect 2.5 to 3 in 100,000 people each year in the United States, and comprise only 6% of head and neck cancers. […] Despite current imaging technologies, tumor location and heterogeneity render diagnosis and treatment decisions challenging for the treatment team. […] Diagnosis of salivary gland malignancy is not always straightforward, and diagnostic practices vary across regions. Following a full history and physical, as well as an imaging study (either CT or MRI), many head and neck surgeons perform tumor resection to establish a diagnosis. […] Some, like Dr. Medina, recommend doing a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy instead. If you have a doubt, stick a needle in it, he said. Don’t open it; don’t march in to do an open biopsy.
- #2 Diagnosis of Salivary Gland Tumors Using Transfer Learning with Fine-Tuning and Gradual Unfreezinghttps://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/13/21/3333
Ultrasound is the primary tool for evaluating salivary gland tumors (SGTs); however, tumor diagnosis currently relies on subjective features. […] This study aimed to establish an objective ultrasound diagnostic method using deep learning. […] The diagnostic performances of these models were compared. By utilizing the pretrained ResNet50V2 with fine-tuning and gradual unfreezing, we achieved a 5-fold average validation accuracy of 0.920. The diagnostic performance on the testing set demonstrated an accuracy of 89.0%, a sensitivity of 81.8%, a specificity of 91.6%, a positive predictive value of 78.3%, and a negative predictive value of 93.2%. […] The diagnosis of SGT is crucial for treatment planning. […] The significance of noninvasive diagnostic tools has been highlighted in previous studies.
- #2 Salivary Gland Tumors: A Diagnostic Dilemma!https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4379294/
However, it is important to emphasize that although ACC has well defined cytologic diagnostic criteria, the literature reports FNAC false-negative results of up to 33 % and specificity of near 50 % for this tumor. […] Some authorities advocate the use of image-guided FNAC, which may be more accurate than FNAC. […] The highlight of this paper is that, while FNA is the mainstay of diagnosis of salivary gland tumors, it cannot always be relied upon in isolation, and should be used in conjunction with other investigations like incisional biopsy, IHC and newer MR technologies. […] To increase the diagnostic accuracy in benign salivary glandular lesions, triple assessment consisting of cytologic features, clinical information, and radiologic findings is essential.
- #2 Salivary Gland Cancer Diagnosis | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centerhttps://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/salivary-gland/salivary-gland-cancer-diagnosis
Making an accurate diagnosis is a key first step in developing the best treatment plan for salivary gland cancer. […] As part of this process, your doctor will tell you: […] You will also need to have a number of diagnostic tests. These include scans as well as laboratory tests. […] Throughout your care, well continue to use some of these tests to track the size of your tumor and assess your response to treatment. […] During a salivary gland biopsy, your surgeon removes a small amount of abnormal tissue from the gland where cancer is suspected. […] The pathologist works with the other members of your care team to make a diagnosis. […] At Memorial Sloan Kettering, we have a team of pathologists whose sole focus is diagnosing cancers of the head and neck. […] A more precise diagnosis can improve the effectiveness of your treatment or spare you from treatment that wont work against your disease.
- #2 Salivary Gland Neoplasia: A Review for the Practicing Pathologist | Modern Pathologyhttps://www.nature.com/articles/3880525
There are few absolutes in salivary gland tumor diagnosis given the marked spectrum and overlap of differentiated cell types that participate in the numerous benign and malignant tumors. […] In the future there may be some role for the pathologic assessment of myoepithelial differentiation in salivary gland tumor types, as there appears to be a modifying effect of this cell type on biologic behavior. […] This review has touched on practical clinical and diagnostic issues of the past 30 years in salivary gland tumor pathology. The next 30 years will see definition of the genetic and proteomic underpinnings of many of the morphologic and biologic distinctions we currently recognize. Hopefully, this will translate into more effective therapies for prevention, local control and cure for many of the salivary gland malignancies currently associated with notoriously protracted but lethal courses.
- #3 Salivary Gland Cancer Diagnosis | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centerhttps://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/salivary-gland/salivary-gland-cancer-diagnosis
These imaging tests provide more details about the tissue. […] If cancer is found, the scans can show how deep the cancer is and if it has spread. […] At MSK, our radiologists use the most-advanced imaging technologies to safely detect and monitor cancer. […] Genomic testing is also called tumor sequencing or molecular profiling. […] Genomic testing can say if any mutations in your cells could be linked to the type of cancer you have. […] Genetic information about your tumor can also help us predict the chances that your cancer will return after treatment. […] Some of these genes are very specific to certain types of salivary gland cancer and can help your pathologist make a very precise diagnosis. […] Our researchers are currently looking for salivary gland tumor markers that can help guide treatment decisions.
- #3 Salivary Gland Neoplasia: A Review for the Practicing Pathologist | Modern Pathologyhttps://www.nature.com/articles/3880525
There are few absolutes in salivary gland tumor diagnosis given the marked spectrum and overlap of differentiated cell types that participate in the numerous benign and malignant tumors. […] In the future there may be some role for the pathologic assessment of myoepithelial differentiation in salivary gland tumor types, as there appears to be a modifying effect of this cell type on biologic behavior. […] This review has touched on practical clinical and diagnostic issues of the past 30 years in salivary gland tumor pathology. The next 30 years will see definition of the genetic and proteomic underpinnings of many of the morphologic and biologic distinctions we currently recognize. Hopefully, this will translate into more effective therapies for prevention, local control and cure for many of the salivary gland malignancies currently associated with notoriously protracted but lethal courses.